You are not alone: Pope tells the earthquake victims of Italy

June 26, 2012: ‘Since the early days of the earthquake that hit you, I was always close to you, But when I saw that the test became harder, I felt ever more strongly the need to come in person among you’, said Pope Benedict XVI on Tuesday while addressing the earthquake victims of Emilia Romagna, Italy.

I felt the need to come, if only for a brief moment, in your midst. Even when I was in Milan earlier this month for the World Meeting of Families, my thoughts turned often to you, the Pope said. He said that he wanted everyone know that the heart of the Pope is close to your heart to comfort you, to encourage and support you.

Citing Psalm 46, the Pontiff said that "God is our refuge and strength, / has shown unfailing help in trouble.’ These words of the Psalm does not impress me because they use only the image of the earthquake, but especially for what they say about our attitude to the inner face of the upheaval of nature: an attitude of great security, based on the steady and unwavering rock, that is God. This safety is that of faith. Above all there is the certainty that God is with me. This love we see in Christ crucified, which is the sign at the same time of sorrow and of love. And 'the revelation of God's love, in solidarity with us to the extreme humiliation.

On the rubble of war Italy has been rebuilt thanks to grants received, but mainly thanks to the faith of many people animated by a spirit of true solidarity, the willingness of families to provide a future, a future of freedom and peace. You are that people all Italians esteem for your humanity and friendliness, combined with the hard work for the joviality, the Pontiff added.

Everything is now severely tested by this situation, but it should not and cannot touch what you are as a people, your history and your culture. Remain faithful to your vocation as a fraternal and united people, and will face everything with patience and determination, resisting the temptations that are unfortunately associated with these moments of weakness and need, the Pope reminded them.

The situation you are experiencing has brought to light an aspect that you are not and will not be alone! My presence among you is one of these signs of love and hope. From this place I would like to launch a strong appeal to the institutions, for every citizen, not to pass indifferent to those in need.

Earlier, welcoming the Pope, Cardinal Caffara, archbishop of Bologna said that his presence is a sign of closeness and hope for the people who were struck by a great tragedy.
Citing an experience, the Cardinal said: a few days ago, a child, on behalf of many other children, said: "There are many cracks in our homes, but none in our hearts." In spite of being severely scourged, this people are rediscovering.

President of the Emilia Romagna region Vasco Errani placed his gratitude to Pope Benedict saying that his visit instill in the earthquake victims of 20 and 29 May, hope and confidence. He said people like Don Ivan Martini, the Priest who died in the earthquake is a witness of a commitment and a true spiritual closeness of the Church towards the suffering people. Your prayers, your solidarity and your visit today to comfort us and tell us that we can and must win this challenge, the President concluded.